During his first official visit to Kazakhstan, Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), visited the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK), accompanied by Nicolas Rallo, ICAO EUR/NAT Regional Director, and Talgat Lastayev, Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Secretary General was briefed on the organization’s activities and met with AAK staff.

The delegation was presented with an overview of the organization’s key activities in the field of state oversight of civil aviation in Kazakhstan. Particular attention was drawn to the country’s high level of compliance with international aviation security  standards, which stands at 95.7% and has placed Kazakhstan among the world’s top 20 countries.

“We work through our audit programmes and, of course, provide assistance to States seeking support to strengthen their capabilities. However, we do not often have the opportunity to speak directly with the people who put all of this into practice and demonstrate their commitment through tangible results. I would therefore like to express my sincere appreciation for the work you do as professionals,” said Juan Carlos Salazar in his address.

Special recognition was given to AAK’s contribution to the organization of ICAO Aviation Security Week in Astana, held on 20–22 October 2026. The event included a symposium, thematic panel sessions and bilateral meetings with representatives of States, international organizations and the aviation industry.

The meeting also addressed further improvements to state oversight and the development of civil aviation in Kazakhstan, the preparation of a Civil Aviation Development Master Plan for Kazakhstan through 2050, and preparations for upcoming audits.

“Effectiveness can only be demonstrated through facts. When it comes to implementation, it must be verified and documented for every certificate and licence holder. This is critically important: start from zero. Be your own toughest auditors so that when the ICAO team arrives, there are no surprises and you are prepared for the most rigorous assessment scenario,” emphasized Nicolas Rallo.

In turn, Michael Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, highlighted the experience AAK staff had gained through assessments conducted by reputable international organizations and expressed confidence in achieving the objectives ahead.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our entire team. They have made tremendous efforts and committed substantial resources, enabling us to make such rapid progress. Once we complete the FAA IASA process, we will return to preparing for the USOAP audit and follow a similar approach throughout that cycle. I am confident that we will achieve excellent results under USOAP, as our entire team has already fully adapted its mindset to working in line with such international standards,” said Michael Daniel.

The ICAO Secretary General’s visit served as an important affirmation of Kazakhstan’s strong engagement with the international aviation community and recognition of the country’s efforts to strengthen its civil aviation safety oversight system. The meeting also highlighted the professional expertise of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan and the importance of further strengthening cooperation with ICAO to enhance flight safety, aviation security and the sustainable development of the aviation sector.